7.30.2013

Love diamonds + candles? Then you are going to L-O-V-E
this Giveaway, babes!

Café Fashionista has partnered with Diamond Candles to bring one {1}
of you lovelies the candle of YOUR choice {a few of my faves are below, but there aremany, many more scents to choose from}. Thrilling Bonus? Each Diamond Candle includes
a special ring valued between $10 and $10,000!
I told you it was thrilling.

7.29.2013

True Story: When I first heard about the Fuzzy Coat polishes, I actually thought that they were, indeed, an actual fuzzy, sweater-like texture. Wrong. In truth, the Fuzzy Coat look is created with matte {non-sparkly} bar-shaped glitter packed in a clear, jelly base. These are perfect for layering over other polish shades as a glitter-like topcoat, or you can simply wear them on their own - which is the route I took.

Application was perfect. Within two coats I had reached full opacity; and, due to the bar-shaped glitter construction you can be a little more haphazard with your strokes than you would with a crème polish {making the process quicker}. What I loved about this shade is that it appears very neutral, so you could easily get away with wearing it in more professional-settings {always a plus}.

NOTE: This is a matte glitter; therefore, removal is slightly more difficult than with a non-glitter. I used a coat of Essie Sensitivity Base Coat between layers of the polish, which made removal significantly easier and faster.

This is, without question, my favorite shoe purchase of summer 2013 {and that is saying a lot}. The comfort level is insane, and you can basically pair these with anything and everything and achieve complete style success. I wear these with cutoff denim shortsall. the. time. and they are so adorbs; yet they look just as amazing with skinny jeans and sundresses.

Seriously...if you are on the hunt for a great bootie {that will see you through all 4 seasons} you need this one in your life. So. Incredibly. Perfect.

7.27.2013

7.26.2013

Two steps forward, one step back...we come together 'cuz... Express Coupons make it possible!

Legit, yes?

One of my favorite things about Express is the fact that they always
have Coupons readily available - making it simple {and
affordable!} to scoop up some of the fiercest styles.
Check out 5 of my current faves below!

7.25.2013

Lighten up your makeup load with mini versions of your daily hair and makeup can't-live-withouts. From mascara to hair straighteners,
this is your must-buy guide for packing your purse or stocking
your locker with the mini necessities for looking your best from sun up
until sundown!

7.24.2013

Some immediately conjure visions of the way-advanced computerized revolving closet when they hear her name; for others, it's her plaid-from-head-to-toe-ensembles that come to mind. Though I vow to someday own the former; I'm of the latter persuasion. So when I spotted this totally adorbs little number from alice + olivia?
Not gonna lie here...total as if moment.

7.22.2013

For some inexplicable reason, I always wind up leaving stores with lilac / purple pastel nail colors. It is like a bizarre compulsion with me; which is how Beverly Hills came into my life {totally not complaining here BTW}.

I LOVE this color. Beverly Hills is more lilac / lavender based than ESSIE's Play Date; yet less gray-based than Sally Hansen's Lacey Lilac. So while it's similar, it's definitely not a dupe for either of the above. What truly sets Beverly Hills apart, however, is the formula.

Yes. Yesyesyesyesyes. This is a one-coater {something I have never encountered with lilac shades before}, and such a breeze to work with. No gloppy-ness; no streaks...just a perfectly even one-coat swipe, and gorgeousness galore. I think I've found my new lilac / lavender go-to.

7.19.2013

Personal story? I kind of fell in love with their paparazzi-esque
ensemble shots on Tumblr, and was thrilled
to find that I can make some of their wildly adorbs looks my own
{without breaking the bank}.

My current faves are the two styles you see above - Fashion and
Lovely Style Long Pattern Sundress to the right, and the Solid Color Scoop Neck Jag Modal Summer Sun
Dresses For Women to the left {both of which would seamlessly
transition into all-year essentials for So Cal'smild fall, winter, and spring.

And once cooler weather is officially upon us? Well...I plan on scooping up theCasual Leopard Pattern With Knit Blouse 2013 Twinset Sundress
For Women in all. three. colors {white, pink, and black}. After all, it is literally too cute to resist. Then again,
that very same sentiment could be applied to much of their super stylish wardrobe wares.

Oxford Flats are the scholars of the shoe world. They add a punch of prep to your going out ensemble {even if it’s riddled with leather and sequins}, without sucking the sex appeal out of your look du jour. Even better, they’re comfy - meaning you won’t require a piggyback ride home at the end of the night {you know what I’m talking about, ladies!}.

An embellished, metallic waterfall jacket is a playful twist on the typical blazer or moto look. Style it over a plain white tee - opt for a slouchy fit to balance out the sassiness of the black skinny ankle pants adorning your lower half. A multi-layered silver necklace dresses up your simple top; while an aesthetically irresistiblesilver ring {wear it on your thumb for an edgier appearance} completes your accessory lineup. Finish it off with a clean, white naila la Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure in Sheer Bliss {the color is sheer and opalescent, so you don’t wind up with that chalky look}.

7.16.2013

Pointy toes and ankle straps. The former makes up less than 1% of my shoe collection, and the latter? Well...if you know me at all, you're well-aware of the fact that I've never met an ankle strap that I haven't fallen head over heels in love with {pun intended}. But to find not just one but both of the aforementioned traits upon a ballerina flat? I'm a bit concerned...for my credit card, that is.

One is essential for fall, the other a must for summer; yet both maintain that sweet sophisticationjuxtaposition that make them ideal for an office tête-à-tête or a weekend ice cream social {cute boys optional}.

7.15.2013

One coat of Claire’s Bright Turquoise from the Shine Bright Nail Polish Set of 5. Turquoise Crème.

I've been lucky to recently encounter an assortment of nail polishes that are opaque in one coat {which is basically the Holy Grail of nail polish finds}, and this is one of them.

The formula on this is A-MA-ZING. Identical in quality to the Claire's Neon Pink I swatched a few weeks back; but different in terms of finish.

As a crème, this color does not dry matte {instead it dries with crazy shine}; and has that pale-yet-bright vibe that I love. If you're a fan of China Glaze's Aquadelic {which I swatched last year here}, you'll see the similarities between these two shades {the main difference being the opacity factor - one coat vs. two}.

This is the only non-shimmer, crème finish in this 5-piece collection; yet, even so, it holds its own against the sparklies - it may be my favorite of the bunch.

Similar styles, different color schemes of this ring are available a la the Mermaid Treasure Vintage Brass Adjustable Ring {my second fave!}, the Energy Treasure Vintage Brass Adjustable Ring, and the Mystic Treasure Vintage Brass Adjustable Ring. I, however, opted for the Peacock style because I loved the mix of colors {so pretty!}.

If you want to snag one yourself, use Code CAFE30 upon checkout to receive 30% Off.

Slouchy sweaters…they’re cozy, they’re classy, and they’re ideal for tempering more seductive styles worn on the bottom {i.e. micro-minis or super skinnies}. Opt for a topper in a charcoal marled knit {the shade is less harsh than white, yet more dimensional than your standard black or gray}.

Skintight leather pants complement the oversized effect of said sweater, and add a glam rock feel to your overall persona - made stronger with the addition of a studded black clutch; while a simple, serpent ring on one hand, coupled with a black diamond embellished ring on the other play up the slinky, feline effect that is oh-so apropos for this look. Elongate fingers with peach-toned nude polish {subtle microshimmer a plus for added sparkle}; and as the pièce de résistance, slip on a pair of cobalt blue pumps to add a chic kiss of color to the neutral, if slightly gothic palette you’ve got going on.

7.09.2013

5 beauty products that I love, highly recommend,
and would definitelybuy again!

{1} e.l.f. Essential Nail Polish Remover Pads{$2.00 for 24} Use the front and back of 2 to 3 pads, and you can remove the polish from all 10 of your fingers. It's less messy than liquid nail polish remover; plus, they're airplane safe.

{2} NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Gleam {also available in Sunbeam} {$7.00} A super small dab on cheekbones gives you a peachy, healthy glow that makes you look sun-kissed year-round. NOTE: If you're not a blush-wearer {like me}, this is a great way to add color without looking cakey.

{3} e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Pen{3.00} I use this all. the. time. when I'm creating a cat-eye with my eyeliner {which is basically everyday}. One false move, and you can simply swipe it away - without having to re-do the rest of your makeup.

{4} Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Nail Polish in Lava{$7.99} In the summertime the Pink / Orange / Gold / Bronze Shifting Glass-Flecked Duochrome / Multichrome colors remind you of the sunrise / sunset; in the fall, they take on the appearance of the changing autumn leaves. One of the greatest colors ever. See my swatches here.

{5} Urban Decay Naked Palette{$50.00}Buy into the hype.Seriously. I have used nothing but this palette since buying it. A blend of Virgin, Naked, Buck, Half-Baked, and Smog is so perfect for everyday wear - or evenings out {my total go-to}.

7.08.2013

Two coats of Essie Bouncer, It’s Me! from the 2013 DJ Play That Song Neon Collection. Neon Cobalt Blue.

You know the saying don't judge a book by its cover? That basically applies perfectly to Bouncer, It's Me!

Yes, the color is gorgeous {intense, vivid, electric...all of the above}; but I have never encountered such a difficult and time-consuming formula before.

To start off, the formula of this was so incredibly thin and watery. Not to mention that it was determined to pool around my cuticles.

While I used two coats of Bouncer, It's Me!; those two coats came after one coat of Essie First Base Base Coat, and one coat of Essie Blanc. After the color was applied, I used one coat of Sephora X Shine Top Coat.

That is {count them} 5 coats for 1 manicure.

Like I said, this color is gorgeous, and totally worthy of swooning; but the time it takes to perfect it is just ridiculous. I mean, seriously, who has time for a 5. coat. manicure?

7.07.2013

I'm not normally one to lose sleep over a pair of heels {a pair of boots, on the other hand...}; but I literally fell head over heels for ELISA the moment she popped up in the Sole Society New Arrivals section. After all, an electric blue, single-sole suede pump {bow detailing a must} has been on my covet list since I was introduced to the gorgeous, yet fully-out-of-my-price-range Isabel Marant Poppy Bow-Embellished Suede Pumps. And now...here. they. are.

The suede is soft to the touch; and the color...be still my heart. My shoe collection is 99% nudes. As someone who is 5'1 1/2" on a good day, nude heels are the thing that give my petite frame a leggy look; yet ELISA managed to create the same effect for me - even in all her cobalt blue glory. And it doesn't hurt that after 7 hours of Fourth of July mingling and dancing she possesses the type of comfort synonymous with a pair of Keds {despite the staggering 4" heel height, mind you}.

That, ladies, is the sign of a very, very amazing {and necessary} pair of pumps. I may just need to indulge in the Black {an essential shade for vampy Girls' Night's Out} next.

7.06.2013

7.05.2013

The Carrie Necklace.
For me, it is literally the single most memorable accessory in pop culture
{closely followed by Buffy Summers' stake, Mr. Pointy, but that isanother story}; so when ONecklace invited me to choose a bauble emblazoned with my name, I passed up the Monogram Necklaces
{also adorable BTW}, and went straight for the piece I have always coveted...
the 24k Gold Plated Carrie Style Name Necklace.

L-O-V-E.

This piece made its way to my Top 5 Faves within 3 minutes
of opening the box. I requested the 14" chain length which sits just a little bit
longer than a choker {right here, to be exact} - a length that I find to be perfect,
as it's very prominent, but also in a location where it doesn't get tangled with
the other necklaces I wear on a daily basis {so annoying when that happens, yes?}.

Thus far, I haven't seen any tarnishing {despite the fact that I've worn it every. single. day since it arrived}; but it's gold plated so you
never know {also available in 14K Gold here}. Regardless, even if it does
tarnish, I would buy another from ONecklace as it is such a fun accessory,
and it literally arrived in my mailbox within one week of ordering
{from overseas!}.

What do you think of the Carrie Style Name Necklace, ladies? Would you wear one?

7.03.2013

Two weeks ago I introduced you to8 electrifying essentials
for your beauty drawer, and was promptly asked by Bella's Shelf
to create a cheap counterpart to the post; so here you have it...8 fab finds - all under $10!

7.02.2013

9 sassy booties that will see you through summer {and fall
and winter and spring} in true style. Pair them with denim cutoffs
and flowy tanks, floral sundresses and fedoras, or skinnies and a plain
white tee. The fashion opportunities are truly endless.

7.01.2013

Two coats of Claire’s Neon Pink from the Shine Bright Nail Polish Set of 5. Neon Pink with subtle coral undertones.

I truly can't say which I love more...the color or the formula {which was the fastest drying I have ever encountered - we're talking less than a minute per nail}.

This is a true, true neon, drying entirely matte {so I added shine with Poshe Super-Fast Drying Top Coat}. Without top coat, this color leans more coral / orange; whereas with top coat, the color takes on this incredibly electrifying hot pink {that, sadly, could not be accurately portrayed in these pictures}. IRL the color is a far deeper and brighter pink.

This was my first time using Claire's polish, but I am sold. I cannot wait to try the rest of the colors in this collection. If the formula is anything like it was here, I may have to scoop up every color they offer. Perfect!